Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 6, Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: July 5, 2005
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Reserve Deputy Constable Nehemiah Pickens was shot and killed by a Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy when he was mistaken for an armed subject during a foot pursuit.
Sheriff's deputies had chased a vehicle to the Dyersdale Village Apartments at 9700 Mesa Drive where Reserve Constable Pickens was working a second job as a plainclothes security guard.
When Reserve Constable Pickens observed the suspect flee from his vehicle on foot, he immediately drew his weapon and began to pursue the suspect. One of the deputies observed Reserve Deputy Constable Pickens chasing the suspect and, not knowing he was a law enforcement officer, ordered him to drop his weapon. The deputy sheriff then opened fired when Reserve Deputy Constable Pickens did not drop his weapon, striking him four times.
The suspect who was being chased continued to flee but was arrested a short time later. He was not charged in connection with the shooting of Reserve Deputy Constable Pickens but was charged with several crimes in connection with the original pursuit.
Reserve Deputy Constable Pickens had served with the Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 6 for four years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and stepdaughter.